Common name:New Zealand Flax
Botanical name:Phormium tenax
New Zealand Flax is a large, bold plant with stiffly vertical, sword-like, green leaves that arise from its base. It should be grown under full sun for best color. Varieties will offer different growth habits and leaf color.
Common name:Coast Live Oak
Botanical name:Quercus agrifolia
The Coast Live Oak is an evergreen round headed tree. It can reach 15'-40' high and 20' wide; it grows very well from the coastal areas to the interior valleys. It is native to California, is drought tolerant, and attracts butterflies.
Common name:Strawberry Madrone
Botanical name:Arbutus 'Marina'
The 'Marina' has gorgeous bark, with leaves that are smaller and not as glossy as Pacific Madrone. Its flowers are pink, borne in pendant clusters in the summer. The fruit is large, red and quite ornamental. The plant should be grown in sun to part shade, with little or no summer watering when established. The 'Marina' prefers good drainage.
Common name:Hopseed Bush
Botanical name:Dodonaea viscosa
This small evergreen tree or shrub can grow up to 12'-15' high and 12' wide. Leaf color can vary from green to purple. It is a relatively short-lived tree, compared to most other trees. It is drought tolerant. It prefers full sun although it will tolerate part shade. It is susceptible to Texas root rot.
Designer: Ann Breemer Designs
Photographer: GardenSoft
Practice grass-cycling by leaving short grass clippings on lawns after mowing, so that nutrients and organic matter are returned to the soil.
Develop healthy soil for plants that are vigorous and naturally pest-resistant.
